Families, dignitaries gather to remember fallen police officers

MILWAUKEE — They served with honor, dignity and courage. On Wednesday, May 16th, dignitaries, family members and fellow officers gathered in Milwaukee to remember fallen officers.

“Today, we remember but we do not grieve. Today we celebrate the values embodied in the sacrifices made by those law enforcement officers to whom we pay tribute,” Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn.

The Greater Milwaukee Law Enforcement Memorial recognized five officers killed in the line of duty within the last 30 years. The include Sydney Snow Jr., Leonard Kesneski, Rosario Kahlura, Dennis Garlowski and Roger Sterling.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen was also on hand for the remembrance. He honored the most recent deaths of two officers — Fond du Lac Police Officer Craig Birkholz, who was killed in a standoff, and Marathon County Sheriff’s Officer Jamison Campmire, who was killed while responding to a fire as a volunteer firefighter.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever met a law enforcement officer who, when they punched out and left the clock, has really left their duty,” Van Hollen said.

Other law enforcement memorial services are planned for National Law Enforcement Memorial Week.

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• Special ceremony honors two fallen officers